From Daryl aka Avery:
Cookbook Nook giveaway today...read on!
Right up
until Thanksgiving, I’m always thinking about what I’m going to be grilling on the
weekends. Hamburgers definitely fall into the mix every time. I love to
barbecue. And I make great hamburgers and turkey burgers and bison burgers.
Or do I?
So, my
husband—you remember my husband...he is the one who loves to read foodie magazines. Well, recently,
he was reading an article in a magazine, and he said, “Honey, you have to see
this. Do you know how you can make a hamburger perfectly flat?”
Well, of
course, I thought I did, but he read me the article anyway. How could I say no? Lo and behold, I didn’t know how to
make a flat burger. Mine are always puffed in the middle.
The
article revealed that although a hamburger might look perfectly flat when you
form the beef into a patty, it invariably puffs in the center as the meat
cooks.
Yep,
that’s mine.
This
either makes it hard to pile on goodies after it’s done or you might overcook
the middle just to make sure the puffy center is cooked. Ick. I hate overcooked
burgers.
The
article said there was a solution.
Here’s
my quickie version of the recipe with photos:
FLAT DELICIOUS BURGERS
(*works on all types,
turkey, bison, and beef)
1) Form
the burgers into flat patties on a clean work surface. That’s what I always do.
But make them about an inch wider than the bun. (I use about 6 to 8 ounces of meat; cooks down to 4 to 6 ounces.)
Okay.
And
then…
2) Press down on the center
of each patty, using your fingers to make an indentation. Now the article said
to press “halfway through the burger thickness.” That’s hard to do. Just make
an indentation. It works. Don’t overwork the meat; you don’t want it to get
tough.
![]() |
Can you see the indentations? |
3) Cook over a hot grill to
desired temperature. Most pundits will say 160 degrees F. I judge by time.
About 4 minutes a side under the broiler or on a medium high grill.
4) Here's the amazing part...as the burger cooks,
juice starts collecting in the center of the meat and stays there! It keeps the
burger moist as it cooks. The burger shrinks “into the center” as it cooks. And
levels out.
![]() |
See it pooling? |
Voila!
Enjoy a great burger. We
did. With a yummy salad that I'd laced with cheddar cheese.
* * * *
Giveaways!
Giveaways!
Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter. The launch day giveaway for STIRRING THE PLOT, which debuts September 30, will include all my books, a plush Tigger,
a Cookbook Nook mug, and more!
a Cookbook Nook mug, and more!
Click HERE.
And "like" me on Facebook and Goodreads, where information about other giveaways will appear, like...
This prize below is going to be given away on Facebook on September 29.
See all the books? You like books! 23 of them! There's one from every author on Mystery Lovers Kitchen, plus other pals with whom I've done book signings! A mug, a plush tigger, an I Love Mystery tote & more. Fun, right? I figure if Stirring the Plot is coming out,
I might as well let all my pals celebrate with me!
Did I mention Stirring the Plot has a Halloween theme?
I might as well let all my pals celebrate with me!
Did I mention Stirring the Plot has a Halloween theme?
![]() |
A list of all authors/books will be on Facebook. Keep an eye out. |
AND if you leave a comment today, you'll be entered to win one of the first two Cookbook Nook mysteries [Final Sentence or Inherit the Word]. Tell me why you like culinary mysteries! Remember to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!
* * * *
Friend Daryl on Facebook
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Check out our website.

is out!
order here
STIRRING THE PLOT is available for preorder: order here. It debuts September 30!
If you haven't done so, sign up for the mailing list
so you can learn about upcoming events, releases, and contests!
I enjoy reading culinary mysteries of all varieties. The recipes included are a nice bonus. I've tried making a number of them successfully (tastes good and enjoyed by family). Unlike some recipes the ones featured have been taste tested so I've found them to be quite successful. servedogmom@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like the recipes in the books. We do work hard to make them fun!
DeleteDaryl/ Avery
I love watching cooking shows and collecting cookbooks. Reading culinary mysteries allows me to collect more recipes to try along with indulging in my favorite hobby: reading! Kuzlin at aol.com
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, that favorite hobby. I love reading, too! A great way to connect with others is talking about books you've read, don't you think?
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I enjoy reading and looking at recipes (especially looking at the pictures). Thank you for the tip on cooking flat burgers. I am looking forward to reading Stirring the Pot. I love the Halloween theme cover! Just adorable. <3
ReplyDeleteJen, thanks so much. My artist is so talented! I gave her the idea of Tigger in the hat. :)
DeleteDaryl/ Avery
I forgot to add my email address: myrifraf @ gmail.com :)
DeleteI like culinary mysteries because I love a good mystery and reading about food, recipes, and how the food is prepared and served. That theme adds so much to a good story. Thank you for the chance tow in.
ReplyDeletejslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com
Lisa, I'm so glad you get into the food and preparation of it. :)
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I love foodie mysteries because they always come with recipes...I usually find at least one that I use over and over!
ReplyDeleteEllen, how nice to know. I've found a few myself. Fun to have go-to recipes.
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I like to read about the different takes on food each author has.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon dot net
Sandy, I agree. The theme really helps define that.
DeleteDaryl /Avery
I LOVE culinary mysteries because it inspires me to cook (even more than I already so) and I eat vicariously through the characters.
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
Libby, I eat vicariously through the characters, too. Great way to diet. LOL
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I love to read culinary mysteries because the great food is a bonus! I know they've been made by people who actually cooked them. Yum!
ReplyDeleteIkleback, one would hope. I think there are some culinary mysteries where someone else does the cooking, but I know I test all mine. :)
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I love culinary mysteries because while I am not a great cook I love food. Sine most of the books are on my Kindle it is very hard to recreate them.
ReplyDeletenlb1050@yahoo.com
Hmmm. I bet, Nancy, if you wrote the authors, they would send you email copies of the recipes, if you've purchased the book. Also, check out MLK after a book is published. We are known to put up recipes from our books from time to time.
DeleteDaryl / Avery
Because they're "mouth-watering"! :)
ReplyDeletepatucker54 at aol dot com
Patricia. :)
DeleteDaryl / Avery
Culinary mysteries tend to have a great blend of colorful characters, interesting plot, and delicious recipes. However, I often read culinary mysteries in part to live vicariously through the protagonist as she/he eats or cooks tasty meals. Due to an oversensitive palate, it's hard for me to eat certain things like soft brie, flaky fish, eggs, and greens / salad because of my mouth's aversion to their texture. Reading about the dishes I can't personally enjoy brings me happiness, almost like I'm getting to enjoy them by proxy.
ReplyDeletelokihokie09 (at) gmail (dot) com
Apd: sorry to hear about the palate, but I understand. I'm so glad you can find pleasure through the mental experience.
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I love a good mystery and the recipes are an added bonus. While my husband does the majority of our cooking, his choice, we both are always looking for new recipes. He will try about anything I want him to as long as it doesn't have wine in it or a ton of garlic. We've been married for 50 years and he has always cooked.
ReplyDeleteAh, Charline, 50 years! What a wonderful thing!
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I like the mystery and recipes.
ReplyDeleteThanks. :)
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I enjoy reading culinary mysteries because it seems like such a bonus when I get new recipes. And I love getting new ideas for what to cook for the hubby.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Sue, I like when there are new ideas, too. I think that's why I like writing on and being on MLK. I'm always finding new recipes from my fellow authors.
DeleteDaryl / Avery
Mystery's are as delicious as a good burger!
ReplyDeleteNice. Yes!
DeleteDaryl / Avery
They are my favorite! I always want to eat while reading though! And I love trying out all the recipes!! rockergoddess2002@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete